2016 Audi R8

Just a few
hours after an official image leaked online, the 2016 Audi R8 has
been officially unveiled before the Geneva Motor Show 2015. The
2016 Audi R8 is the second-generation of the German mid-engined supercar and
features a host of mechanical and visual modifications over the outgoing model.

For starters, the 4.2-litre naturally-aspirated V8 engine
has been removed from the line-up. As a result, the 2016 Audi R8 will only be
available with the 5.2-litre V10 engine from launch. In base 2016 Audi R8 V10
specification, that engine has been tweaked from the current one up to 540 hp
while the range-topping Audi R8 V10 Plus pumps out 610 hp and 560 Nm of torque.
As a result, the Audi R8 V10 Plus will accelerate to 100 km/h in a mere 3.2
seconds, 200 km/h in 9.9 seconds as well as a top speed of 330 km/h. By
comparison, the regular Audi R8 V10 will still sprint to 100 km/h in a
respectable 3.5 seconds as well as a 323 km/h top speed.

Numerous upgrades have been performed to the engine to help
achieve the higher horsepower and torque outputs. First and foremost, a new
indirect injection system has been installed alongside the FSI direct fuel
injection. Elsewhere, dry sump lubrication is featured. Additionally, the
second-generation 2016 Audi R8 boasts the new cylinder on demand (COD) system
which translates into lower fuel consumption as one bank of cylinders can shut
down when not required. All told, the Audi R8 V10 consumes a mere 11.8 litres
of fuel per 100 km while the 2016 Audi R8 V10 Plus sucks down 12.4 litres per
100 km. Those figures translate into 275g of CO2 and 289g of CO2 respectively.

R8 2016 exterior

Audi R8 2016 interior

This engine is then mated to an upgraded seven-speed S
tronic transmission driving all four wheels. The quattro all-wheel drive has
also been improved and in different conditions, can send up to 100 per cent of
torque to either the front or rear wheels. This translates into a fully
variable distribution of torque across all four wheels. Another key feature is
a mechanical limited slip differential at the rear axle while the front axle
now features a new electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch.

On a suspension front, the 2016 Audi R8 features double
wishbones at all four corners made from lightweight aluminium. The dampers used
are fully adjustable and can be mated with the optional Audi magnetic ride
control system. Elsewhere, electromechanical power steering is featured and
promises to reduce CO2 emissions which still providing a thrilling driving experience.
Sticking the new Audi R8 V10 to the road are 245/35 tyres at the front and
295/35 tyres at the rear alongside the 19-inch wheels. Interestingly, 20-inch
wheels are optional alongside 245/30 and 305/30 tyres.

Braking performance is provided by standard steel discs on
the R8 V10 as well as high-tech carbon ceramic discs for the Audi R8 V10 Plus.
For ‘regular’ R8 V10 owners, the carbon ceramics are an optional extra.

All told, the Audi R8 V10 Plus tips the scales at 1454 kg
(dry) which is 50 kg less than the outgoing Audi R8. Helping to achieve the
lower overall weight is the new Audi Space Frame (ASF) which uses a mixture of
carbon fibre and aluminium. Additionally, the B pillars are made from carbon
fibre reinforced plastic as is the transmission tunnel and rear wall. By
comparison, the front of the car, roof and rear chassis are made from cast
aluminium. The new platform means the 2016 Audi R8 is 15 per cent lighter than
before but at the same time, 40 per cent stiffer.

audi r8 2016 engineAlongside the release of the 2016 Audi R8 V10 and V10 Plus,
the second-generation R8 brings along the eagerly awaited Audi R8 e-tron. It
delivers a total of 455 hp and 920 Nm of torque through the electric powertrain
and can consequently reach 100 km/h in a mere 3.9 seconds. The range sits at an
impressive 450 km.

Visually, it is easy to distinguish the 2016 Audi R8 from
the previous generation car. The front end has been overhauled with new air
intakes, a new grille as well as sharp LED headlights. Despite these changes,
the 2016 model is still identifiable as an R8. The changes to the rear-end are
arguably even more extensive with different taillights, grilles, a new bumper
and different exhaust tips. Additionally, a menacing rear diffuser comes on
both the Audi R8 V10 and V10 Plus models.

Elsewhere, the second-gen Audi R8 has ditched the original’s
famous side blades in favour of more conventional side air intakes finished in
black or silver to contrast the car’s exterior finish. The V10 Plus then makes
use of a prominent rear wing.